Support needed for 'people's reconciliation resolution'

Support needed for 'people's reconciliation resolution'

SYDNEY — The National Aboriginal History and Heritage Council is proposing an alternative "people's reconciliation resolution" to the one which will be put to state parliament by Labor Premier Bob Carr on November 14.

Describing the premier's move to have parliament formally endorse the "principles" of reconciliation while refusing to save the 1938 Aboriginal "Day of Mourning" site as hypocritical, the council has called a lunchtime protest for November 14.

The protest will raise again the council's proposal that the government act to preserve the building from developers by placing a permanent conservation order on the whole building — not just the facade, which is already heritage listed for its European architectural significance. The council states that the government could then purchase the building to establish an Aboriginal history centre to provide a much-needed facility to promote Aboriginal history and heritage awareness.

The council urgently needs activist support to help build the rally and establish a presence outside state parliament for three days before the rally. If you can help, phone Janet Wright on 9997 2774. n

From GLW issue 254